CANDIDATES' ADDRESSES AND THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 6, 7 June 1873, Page 5

CANDIDATES' ADDRESSES AND THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

Candidates for Beats in the Provincial Council ' are numerous, and almost all have either published addresses, or made speeches explanatory of their views. A few only have even touched the question of Education, and fewer still have said a word in favour of justice to Catholics on this most important subject. Our Provincial education ordinance imposes on teachers the obligation of giving religious instruction to all children unless their parents object. Taking advantage]! of this provision of the law, teachers — we do not say all — insist on giving religious instruction to Catholic children even after their parents had objected. This, of course, has been denied, but notwithstanding the denial, we assert most positively that such has been the case, aud we entertain not the slightest doubt that such will be the case" again and again. Some time ago there were published in this paper two letters on this subject, making specific charges of undue interference with the religion of Catholic children. These charges were also made in the presence of the Inspector, from whom the -Bishop received a letter a short time ago, stating that an investigation had taken place, and that the charge made was true. But observe, what was the result. Was the teacher reprimanded — was he removed? Nothing of the sort. On the contrary, an excuse was made for him : He had been lately appointed, and a copy of the new minutes of the Board had not been sent him. For these reasons, therefore, the Board thought he was not censurable for insisting on teaching Protestantism to Catholic children in defiance of their father's remonstrance. Is such a man as this teacher fit to be entrusted with the education of Catholic children ? Is a man whose ideas of religious liberty and propriety are such as to induce him to insult and defy a Catholic parent, a fit and proper person to be master in a mixed school ? Can such a man be trusted in the future ? Clearly not ; and our conviction is there are many such masters and mistresses in the Otago schools

Of this there is abundant evidence that satisfied our minds, but owing to a variety of circumstances it is difficult to bring forward such evidence as will satisfy the Board as to * -violation of the law. When, however, it has been proved that the law has been broken, and the religion of Catholic children interfered with, the matter is made little of, and some shuffling excuse is thought ample satisfaction for us. Only a few. of the candidates -have expressed the least desire to^ see justice done in this matter — or evinced a deterruination even so much as to look into our charges and grievances. With few exceptions they have utterly and absolutely ignored us, and are therefore undeserving of the least support from Catholics. Since writing the above, we have read the speech delivered by Mr Leary in Caversham ; and we feel bound to say that he appears to entertain reasonable views on the education question. He is disposed to do justice to denominations in large communities, such as Dunedin. Well, if this is not all we seek, it is a step in the right direction. The denominations are aware they cannot expect, for some time at least, all they desire ; and it is not improbable they may come to the conclusion that half a loaf is better than no bread. Certainly, the Catholic community is not opposed to any compromise that is consistent with their principles. None are more anxious to work harmoniously and energetically with the Government and their fellow-citizens than Eoman Catholics. Let them not be called upon to sacrifice their principles and consciences ; let justice be done them ; arid it will be soon seen that they can be dealt with both easily and satisfactorily. The Government would soon find in them energetic auxiliaries in the great work of educating the masses. We can assure our fellow citizens that it is their greatest happiness to be permitted to bear their share of all the burdens inseparable from such an undertaking.